Ladies, Mother’s Day is May 11, 2014, and it is never too soon to make your mother’s day plans . . . or print this out and leave it somewhere very conspicuous (taped to the bathroom mirror, perhaps, or pinned inside the kiddos’ backpacks) . . . or “accidentally” forward this to that certain someone. Or maybe you’re scrambling to find the perfect spot to wine and dine your own mama.
Here are some favorite places around town to dig in and celebrate Mom.
Fort Worth Botanic Garden
Texas’ oldest botanic garden makes an absolutely gorgeous setting for brunch. The Gardens Restaurant is the scene for brunch from 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. The menu for this day will include a wide variety from beef, pork, and chicken to omelets and fresh fruits. The cost of brunch ($29.99 for adults; $9.99 for children, and free for kiddos under 3) also includes mimosas. Call ahead for reservations; this event usually sells out two weeks before Mother’s Day. The win: After delicious brunch, head over to visit the Koi in the Japanese Garden. Did you know that you could pet a fish? Yes, yes you can.
The Fort Worth Zoo
Join Asian elephant babies Belle and Bowie and the rest of the animals for brunch at the zoo. With kid-friendly fare and more sophisticated adult options, The Fort Worth Zoo offers two seatings for brunch, 11:00 a.m. (sold out as of this writing) and 2:00 p.m. The $65.00 cost for adults and $25.00 for children includes brunch, admission to the zoo, and the opportunity for your family to select and adopt your favorite zoo animal. Reservations required. The win: Proceeds from the event go towards the care and feeding of the zoo’s animals, so brunchees are supporting a great cause while spending the day outdoors in an educational, kid-friendly environment.
Lanny’s Alta Cocina Mexicana
Lanny’s opens only once a year for brunch: Mother’s Day! Don’t miss your chance to indulge in a special three course menu featuring sweet and savory offerings for $48.00 per person. A children’s menu is available and reservations are required. The win: A unique menu in a beautiful setting with sangria to boot!
Simply Fondue
For those of you who want to put a spin on the traditional, Simply Fondue has a special Mother’s Day menu that includes traditional cheese fondue, choice of salad, and a main course Top off your meal with chocolate or caramel fondue. Pricing is $40.00 for adults and $15.00 for children. The win: Fondue works for kids (what kid doesn’t appreciate dunking bread into cheese sauce?) and adults alike (come on, you get a kick out of dunking, too). Simply Fondue’s Sundance Square location is ideal for a relaxing stroll around Fort Worth to cap off your outing.
Kirby’s Southlake
For those of us who live in the Fort-Worth-with-a-Keller-ZIP-code area, Kirby’s is a fabulous Mother’s Day option. Full disclosure: Kirby’s is an upscale steakhouse with tablecloths so this might not be the most relaxing place to take younger children, but if you have older kids . . . heaven. Kirby’s will open at 11:00 a.m. on Mother’s Day with a special menu of features (these were not available at press time) as well as their regular menu. The win: Amazing food in a relaxed and friendly environment with half-priced bottles of wine on Sundays.
Crowne Plaza Suites Arlington
And for those of us closer to Arlington, the Crowne Plaza is offering a special Mother’s Day menu from 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. complete with breakfast buffet, carving stations, and assorted desserts. Adults dine for $28.95 and kiddos age 10 and under for $10.95. The win: A wide variety of options for everyone in your party and close proximity to Globe Life Park or Six Flags Over Texas to continue the Mother’s Day festivities.
Cafe Modern
The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth offers the opportunity to take in more than 3,000 works of art from the years 1945 to the present as part of your Mother’s Day brunch experience. Cafe Modern offers brunch from 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. on Sunday and features cooked-from-scratch menus for both children and adults. The win: A Mother’s Day brunch that is educational, yet elegant and the final opportunity to view the Modern’s David Bates collection.
Cast Iron at The Omni Fort Worth
All right Moms, earmuffs (eyemuffs?)!
Significant Others, pay attention: Being a mom is only one of the roles we play in life. We also want to play the role of a sexy woman now and again, so be a dear and book us a room at Omni Fort Worth, take us out on the town on Saturday in our new dress and heels, and then go grab the kids in the morning while we sleep in and take us to brunch at Cast Iron, would you please? From 10:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Cast Iron is serving a delicious brunch featuring multiple stations including chilled seafood, artisan cheeses, salad, and traditional breakfast fare along with complimentary mimosas. Brunch is $54.00 per adult and $27.00 for children ages 5-12 with children under 5 eating free. The win: Isn’t it obvious?
And Beyond: Other Mother’s Day Ideas
No lie, I have never done a Mother’s Day brunch (which is exactly why I asked for this assignment and trust me, I see what I am missing). If you’re not into brunch, here’s a few other ideas for your Mother’s Day celebration.
A Day at the Ballpark
It’s the Texas Rangers vs. the Boston Red Sox on Mother’s Day, and I will be at the ballpark cheering on my beloved Skipper Wash and the boys. The indoor Kids Zone is a great place to let your younger kids burn off some energy before the game while the Captain Morgan Club offers indoor, sit-down dining in a family-friendly environment. The win: If your kids join the Junior Rangers’ club, they will have the opportunity to run the bases after the game. If you’re lucky like I tend to be, you just might get the usher who says, “You too, Mom!”
Mother’s Day Yoga
Karmany Yoga in Fort Worth will transform the 9:00 a.m. Sunday class into a celebration of mothers. All levels (total beginners welcome!) are invited to attend this session with Lauren Wessinger. Said Lauren: “We have all been or had the love of a mother in some regard, whether it be a traditional relationship or honorary. We will come together for a happy, fun, heart-opening class to celebrate all the moms in this life!” The win: The opportunity to begin the day with positive vibes, a welcoming atmosphere, and burn a few calories while you’re at it (earn that mimosa!)
Mother’s Day Cruise on Lake Grapevine
The Tejas Houseboat will set sail from the Silver Lake Marina for four distinct cruises on Mother’s Day. Select between four two-hour cruises each featuring a meal, music, and a complimentary rose for mom. Evening cruises are BYOB. The win: There are so many options here; you can take the kids along during the day or make this an evening out for adults-only with a bottle of your favorite wine. Cheers!
What’s your favorite way to celebrate Mother’s Day? What great Fort Worth Mother’s Day spot did we miss?
Wonderful ideas! I would like to try all of them.
Thanks for all these recommendations. Another great spot in Arlington is OlenJack’s. We’ve gone the last two Mothers’ Days. It has a fabulous brunch buffet, and reservations are a must!!!
The Fort Worth Vaqueros (new NPSL soccer team) have a match that day as well at LaGrave Field, so if there are soccer-loving moms out there, that’s a good option as well!